[dropcaps]S[/dropcaps]ummer brings opportunities to play outside but can also provide opportunities for injury. Running around, playing games, even organized sports are common activities for kids during the summer and fall. Eventually, in all that activity, someone has an accident.

What to do if a child’s tooth is knocked out?
Baby teeth are temporary and while the loss of a tooth is often traumatic, baby teeth should not be replanted because of the potential of damaging developing permanent teeth. However, a visit to the pediatric dentist is advised. Traumatic breaks can leave behind broken pieces that can cause infection and pain.
Permanent teeth that are knocked out require delicate care so that they can be replanted by a pediatric dentist or at the scene of the accident. Quick action will increase the chances of saving the tooth. First, find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water but do not use soap or scrub it. Place the tooth back into the socket immediately, holding it in place with gauze or by biting on a wash cloth. If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, place it in a container of Save-A-Tooth ®, cold milk, or saliva. Contact your dental office immediately.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A broken tooth can be very painful and is open to infection. Contact your dentist immediately. First aid for the chipped tooth includes rinsing the mouth with water and applying cold compresses to reduce swelling to soft tissue such as the gums and lip. If the fragment can be found place it in a small bag or container and bring it with you to the dentist office.

If your child receives a blow to the head, make sure that they receive immediate medical attention.
Head blows can cause significant injury that is often not visible and may have delayed symptoms. If possible, contact 911, as emergency services can begin treating in route and are often faster than driving to the hospital yourself.

Beat the heat and sun
Heat-related illness happens when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Infants and children up to 4 years of age are at greatest risk. Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. For heat-related illness, the best defense is prevention.

Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Schedule outdoor activities carefully, for morning and evening hours.
Stay cool with cool showers or baths.
Seek medical care immediate if your child has symptoms of heat-related illness.
Just a few serious sunburns can increase you and your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Their skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors.

Cover up. Clothing that covers your and your child’s skin helps protect against UV rays.
Use sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) protection every time you and your child go outside.

Keep mosquitos and ticks from bugging you this summer
Protect yourself and your family by preventing bites and diseases, like Zika, West Nile virus and Lyme disease, which can be transmitted by insects.